The Mama Perspective

Motherhood and Maternal Wellbeing

The voice behind the blog

Natasha is a mum of two little boys and the voice behind The Mama Perspective. Passionate about maternal mental health and self-care, she writes honestly about the highs, lows, and healing moments of motherhood.
  • The Joys of Parenting a Toddler

    The Joys of Parenting a Toddler

    One morning you’re walking around the house stepping on cookie crisp, then you’re chasing your toddler in each room to try and clean his snotty nose! This doesn’t sound like the ‘joys’ of parenting a toddler but I promise, it is, with more to come in this post if you read on.

    Chaotic mornings

    Yes, it’s chaos but I wouldn’t have it any other way and here’s way. One morning, Freddy might not need me/his dad to help brush his teeth, ask for that cup of “teeeeeea” or cuddle us so close that we don’t want to move for the rest of the day. Toddlers wake up with a burst of energy in the mornings and just when you think you’re safe, the toddler tornado hits. Take this morning for example, it’s the weekend so we’re not in a rush to be anywhere but Freddy made his his mission to empty his crayons and pencils over the floor, dance in the kitchen, clap and happily say “Yay!” because he got his colours right. Our mornings wouldn’t be the same without his cheeky, happy, beautiful smile. Also, you’ve kinda done a workout at home already, so it’s a bonus!

    Toddler ways

    Freddy loves to get his coat (it has to be the green dinosaur one at the minute), grab his “shoooooes” for me or his daddy to put on him, and now lifts his bag like he’s a big boy going to school. He absolutely melts our hearts. Honestly, sometimes, you can’t get mad when you’re losing your patience at trying to get the other foot in his trainer and he’s giddy moving around because his happiness lights up your day… but we do have to get a move on, kid!

    Cute habits

    Freddy knows that he can go into the kitchen, take one of his bowls from the cupboard and place it on the worktop for me or his daddy to give him either: an apple, banana, cereal, crackers, a yoghurt, OR some mini white chocolate buttons, because there’s nothing like hyping a toddler up eh?! When he chooses a yoghurt, he will grab a spoon from the drawer, place the yoghurt pot and spoon onto his table or wait to be placed into his high chair. Watching him be content during these moments is everything.

    Pronouncing words

    I have quotes a few of the words above but I’m going to share some more. Let’s take colours as one example: “Ed, oranjjjjjj, bluuuuue, greeeeen, yellohhh, ink etc.” they are all longer or shorter in some cases of the actual word. Can you gather which colours they are? He is so proud that he runs over to us with a colour or pointing at a book or toy and tells us the colour. Another round of my favourites are his number pronunciations: “On, twooo, feeee, urgh, ive, shicks, evern, aaaate, niiiine, ten, eyevon etc.” What will me and his dad do once he eventually says them the right way? I’ll be sad to be honest but right now we can embrace the Freddy way.

    Parenting a toddler doesn’t come without tantrums and meltdowns but those are tiny when you have a greater perspective for the love and laughter your child brings into your life.

  • 3 Things I’m Letting Go Of

    3 Things I’m Letting Go Of

    As you get older, you start to gain a different perspective in life – what’s important to you and what really matters. I’ve still got a way to go with working on the three things I’m trying to remove from my life, or at least reduce.

    Here goes…

    Unnecessary stress

    Ever worry about the small stuff? Yep, me too. I often create scenarios in my head that I expect to be the outcome that’ll come to life. Or I’ll worry about how I’m perceived as a person or avoiding an opportunity without giving it a shot. I’ve had experiences in both my personal and professional life where worry has piled on top worry and before I know it, it’s been a pyramid of unwanted stress, headaches, and mental trauma. I’m trying to let off of all the little things that I usually stress about, trusting my gut more, and coming back stronger after any challenge/s that come my way. Sometimes life will bring unexpected events into your world, remember to surround yourself with the people who support and love you when times do get really tough.

    Drama

    Spreading drama is never a good thing. Sometimes you’re hooked into it without even knowing. I personally think the people you associate yourself with can influence how you pick up gossiping habits. But whatever the cause, it’s down to you to change it. If anything, drama wastes time and energy. I like to think that where I am today in my life, I surround myself with the people who have positive energy and the ones who truly care, especially when their words are turned into actions. They are my kinda people.

    Self comparison

    Okay, I might be too optimistic here so maybe I’ll lean more towards explaining why I’d like to stop this. Comparing myself to other people has ruined my happiness so many times, I’ve lost count. I’ve avoided seeing people, having fun, believing in myself during personal and professional triumphs, the list goes on. I think we’re all here to be our own person, you know? I just need to be kinder to myself sometimes and remind myself of that. I’m sure I read somewhere once that life would be boring if we were all the same.

    Anyone who has been there for me at different stages of struggling with the above, I’m truly grateful for you.

  • Reflecting on Parenthood and Love

    Reflecting on Parenthood and Love

    Isn’t it true that as you get older, you realise what’s important? My perspective has changed on a number of things. I think my change of outlook changed most significantly when I became a mum. All the high and lows I’ve carried with me, and the events I’ve experienced in life contribute to who I am today.

    Each day is another day to tell my husband and my son I love them, regardless of what’s going on, there’s so much happiness in our lives. Each phone call to my mum is a catch up about this, that, and everything. Each waking hour spent with my son, is another giggle, kiss, maybe a cry but they are all moments to cherish.

    I’ve had a couple of days of leave from work so I’ve been able to enjoy a long weekend and the last two days have all been about Freddy. It’s makes me sad (happy sad) to look back on all the time we spent together not only when I was pregnant, but the months after during maternity leave.

    Today, Freddy has played real hard! I’m talking colouring in 2-3 times, had the play dough and sand out, playing with his numbers bus, smiled for photos with his Halloween ‘boo’ top on and so much more fun! With a toddler, you’re always bound to be busy, running around, and joining in the play when you’ve got the energy (or you find it). Each moment is quality time together.

    Lots of firsts can fade as new ones blossom; there’s always new to smile about, emotionally in my case, like how your little one smiles and claps when they’re proud of themselves. Or the times when your heart feels so full because everything you’ve always wanted is happening right in front of you.

    The other day, me and Danny were in the car, I turned to him and said, “We’re coming up to our eleventh Christmas together!” How is that even happening? Well, yeah, I know, time does its thing. But wow, oh wow.

    We still dance in the kitchen and living room and find time for us when we can around looking after our son. It’s the little things like grabbing each others hands, coming up to cuddle from behind, bringing a chocolate bar and cup of tea into me at the end of the day. Honestly, I could go on. He might be the loudest snoring machine but Danny is an absolute dream. And together, our family is everything. Nothing comes close. I’m even more in love with Danny and we take on whatever comes our way, together.

    You know when you watch a video in fast motion? That’s how life can feel when you look back. Seeing all the wonderful moments fly by you makes you think about the rest of what life holds. Priorities change with time, appreciation for simple moments grow, and a positive mindset can help you gain the strength you never knew you had.

    Danny and me always remind each other that once we were teenagers in love, free spirited and loved all the fun in life. Now, we’re husband and wife, mum and dad. There’s no harm in remembering who we were before parenthood. It’s about picking each other back up through the challenges and supporting one another. Danny knows me better than I know myself. And sometimes when I think he’s not listening, he’ll tell me, “Go and be the amazing you!” when I’m doing that self doubt thing again.

    The biggest thing I’ve learned, is to be the best parent I can be, to love as hard as I can, and to look after others, I have to work on me first. It isn’t selfish, I know that now and I’ve seen a lot of personal growth in myself. There are brighter days ahead with so much love and happiness to overpower any ‘bad days’ ahead.

Anxiety Confidence Family Mental Health Mindset Motherhood Parenthood Parenting Positivity Postpartum Self Esteem Wellness